ICC welcomes IPL to UAE

The International Cricket Committee (ICC) has welcomed the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play some of the matches in the upcoming Indian T20 League in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The BCCI announced the decision to play a minimum of 16 matches in the UAE, mostly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah during the first leg of the tournament between April 16-30th.

Complimenting the BCCI on its decision, ICC Chief Executive, David Richardson felt it would give a big boost to the game in the Middle East. "The BCCI's decision to stage the first part of the IPL 2014 season in the UAE is great news for the people of the UAE and the region. It will complete a remarkable season of cricket in the UAE, which has already seen the successful staging of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2013 and the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2014," said Richardson.

"This news comes on the back of the on-field success of the UAE national team which has qualified for both the ICC World Twenty20 2014 in Bangladesh and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand and has the potential to propel cricket's profile to new heights in the country," he added.

Richardson also promised full support from the apex body towards successful hosting of the matches. "Recognising the importance of the integrity of the competition, the ICC will provide its full support for the matches in the UAE, including through the provision of anti-corruption services. It will also be a good opportunity for both the BCCI and the ICC to share knowledge and experience as we both strive to deliver memorable events to cricket fans around the world," he said.